Bird watching

Matiu/Somes Island offers excellent views, bird watching opportunities as well as the chance to study other plants and animals enjoying the pest-free environment.

A variety of native animals have been reintroduced to the island, including red-crowned parakeet/kākāriki, which are very visible and vocal around the island; reptiles, including the ancient tuatara; Cook Strait giant weta and Wellington tree weta, which have their own motels.

Guided walks

Guided walks are usually taken by our volunteer Eastbourne Forest Rangers.

They cover the fascinating multi-layered history of the island as well as the historic and biodiversity conservation which is taking place now. The walks also increase your chance of finding some of the rare and shy wildlife.

Guided walks take approximately 2 hours depending on group size, fitness, time on the island and interests.

Walks start at 11:00 am on weekdays.

During summer weekends and public holidays, guided walks depart from the wharf at 11 am and 1 pm, depending on guide availability.

Anyone is welcome to join.

Booking

Weekend walks at 11 am for small groups (up to 12) can be booked online.

At any other time or for larger groups, guided walks must be booked at least two weeks in advance via the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre. Phone +64 4 384 7770 or emailwellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz

Kayaking and canoeing

About this place

Getting there

Public transport

Transport to Matiu/Somes Island is by East by West Ferry (Dominion Post Ferry) departing from Queens Wharf Wellington City or Days Bay, and Seatoun or Petone on most weekends. On weekdays the last scheduled ferry departs Queens Wharf at 2:15 pm and Days Bay at 3:15 pm.

We highly recommend groups of more than 20 people, and those staying overnight, book a place on the ferry.

In severe weather conditions one or both ferries can be cancelled.

For ferry bookings and scheduling information, phone +64 4 499 1282.

Recreational boats or kayaks

Visitors may also arrive by kayak or private vessel between the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm.

Dinghies and kayaks can be pulled ashore between the wharves, to the north of the northern wharf or to the south of the main wharf. All other boats may briefly unload at the main wharf, but then must move to the mooring buoys, or further offshore.

On arrival at the main wharf and toilets, you will be met by a ranger who will take you through the biosecurity checks. These prevent unwanted plants and insects arriving on the island.

After a short introduction to the island, you can start a walk.

Know before you go

You must check your bags for unwanted pests in the Whare Kiore/quarantine building next to the main wharf.

Pets are not permitted on Matiu/Somes and other harbour islands.

Do not light fires.

Smoking is restricted to the main wharf.

The island may be closed at times of extreme fire danger. If you discover a fire, call 111 and go immediately to the wharf.

Cycling is not permitted on the island for the safety of all visitors.

Other harbour islands

No landing at any time on Mokopuna Island Scientific Reserve, a sensitive sea bird breeding area.

Landing is permitted on the Makaro/Ward Island Scientific Reserve. Pets, fires, and overnight camping are not permitted on the island.